Springer, Joseph W. (1871-1956)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1956 Dec 13 p. 8

Birth date: 1871 May 3

text of obituary:

JOSEPH W. SPRINGER

Joseph W. Springer, son of Joseph and Barbara Nafziger Springer, was born May 3, 1871, on a farm near Minier, Ill. He passed away in the Abraham Lincoln Memorial Hospital, Lincoln, Ill., at 10:45 p.m. Nov. 28, 1956, at the age of 85 years, six months and 25 days. He had been in failing health for the past year.

He accepted Christ in his youth and became a member of the Hopedale Mennonite Church, to which he remained faithful and loyal to the end.

On Feb. 9, 1896, he was married to Mary Litwiller. They observed their 60th wedding anniversary the past February.

Besides his loving wife the following children survive: Laura (Mrs. Silas Nafziger), Martha, Allen and Simon of Hopedale, Elmer of Armington, and Ada (Mrs. Paul Schertz) of Low Point. There are 21 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. He also leaves one brother, Ben of Minier. Two sisters and four brothers preceded him in death.

He spent his entire life in this community, following the occupation of a farmer until he moved to Hopedale 17 years ago.

He was a devoted husband and loving father and had the respect of those who knew him.

He was interested in the welfare of the church and served faithfully in many different ways. For more than 35 years he served faithfully as a church trustee. He served on the building committee when the present church building was erected, served as superintendent of the Sunday school in both the adult and primary departments, taught Sunday school classes for many years, took an active part in young people's meeting, and served on various committees in the local church and in the conference.

Funeral services were held Dec. 1 at the Hopedale Mennonite Church with Howard Zehr and Ivan Kauffman officiating. Burial was in the Hopedale Mennonite Church Cemetery. Grandsons were pallbearers. — Mary Faith Springer.